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Nikon D3100 review
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR D3100 Kit with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR
Lens $699.95* The D3100 provides an easy-to-use and affordable entrance
into the world of Nikon digital SLRs with its powerful features, such as
the enhanced Guide Mode that makes it easy to unleash creative potential
and capture memories with still images and full HD video. With the D3100,
it?€™s like having a personal photography tutor at your fingertips.
The unique Guide Mode feature provides a simple graphical interface on the
camera?€™s LCD that guides users by suggesting and/or adjusting camera
settings to achieve the desired end result images. Packed into the compact
and lightweight body of the D3100 is a host of advanced Nikon technologies,
such as the new EXPEED 2 image processing engine. EXPEED 2, in conjunction
with Nikon?€™s new 14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, is the
driving force behind the camera?€™s enhanced performance and rich
image quality. The D3100 features split-second shutter response and a
blazing fast 11-point AF system to help ensure tack-sharp images. For
shooting in challenging lighting conditions such as indoors or in the
evening hours, ISO 3200 (expandable to 12,800) enables versatility to
capture the moment. A Leg Up On Consumer Camcorders with World?€™s
First Features The Nikon D3100 digital SLR allows users to capture stunning
full HD, 1080p resolution (1920x1080) video. Users can record cinematic
quality 24 fps video clips, or shoot at 24 or 30 fps at 720p, ideal for
online sharing. With the array and versatility of NIKKOR lenses, users can
create a variety of photographic effects to video, such as isolating
subjects with a shallow depth of field or recording in low-light
conditions. NIKKOR lenses also deliver the sharpness needed for HD video
and Nikon?€™s Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to
eliminate camera shake. Nikon was the first to introduce HD video in a
digital SLR and now Nikon is the first to apply full time AF for D-movie
video shooting and while in Live View mode. Using contrast-based AF, the
D3100 automatically focuses on subjects when Live View is activated to
assist in shooting when using the LCD. The D3100 also uses Face Detection
technology to lock focus on up to 35 human faces, a feat not even
accomplished with consumer camcorders. To further simplify movie shooting,
Live View is activated with a single flick of a switch, and a simple press
of a button achieves HD video recording. Sharing and editing video clips is
also much easier with the D3100, as it records movies in the versatile
H.264 AVCHD codec (.mov file). While playing movies back in the camera,
users are able to edit recorded videos by clipping footage from the
beginning or end of a movie. High Definition movies and stills can be
shared with family and friends on an HD television via HDMI output. Users
can control slide shows and videos using the HDMI CEC interface that is a
part of most modern remote controls from HDTV manufacturers. Additionally,
the D3100 is compatible with the new SDXC memory card format to store large
amounts of photo and video data so users can shoot multiple scenes without
interruption. The Guide Mode Will Inspire You Whether new to digital SLR
photography or desiring to learn new shooting techniques, the
D3100?€™s enhanced Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface helps
users advance their skills through on-demand, step-by-step assistance. The
Guide Mode is easily accessed through the Mode dial on the top of the
camera. This enhanced help function features sample assist images that
change with camera settings to inspire consumers to achieve a desired look
and feel to their images, while guiding through easy-to-understand
photographic techniques. For example, to instill the majestic appearance of
moving waters, users can select ?€?show water flowing?€? from the
Guide Mode and simply follow the prompts to create the ideal camera
settings to capture an image. By following the assistance on the bright
3-inch LCD screen, users can achieve professional-looking photographs.
Whether it?€™s softening backgrounds, freezing the moment, or
conveying motion, the Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective
picture-taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great shots
even easier and more enjoyable. Renowned Nikon Technology The D3100
leverages proven Nikon technologies to create the most positive
picture-taking experience for consumers of any skill level. With its new
14.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon?€™s new EXPEED 2 image
processing system, the D3100 delivers exceptional image quality with low
noise. The EXPEED 2 image-processing engine enhances camera performance and
helps to ensure high image quality while managing colour, contrast,
exposure, noise and speed for optimal results. The D3100?€™s normal
ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 3200, allowing users to capture sharp
images, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D3100?€™s ISO
range can expand to a Hi-2 setting of ISO 12800, furthering the
opportunities for low-light shots that other cameras miss. Other exclusive
Nikon technologies include the Active D-Lighting system, which
automatically rescues dark or backlit images to achieve even tones. This is
especially useful when photographing subjects that are backlit by lights or
the sun to provide an even exposure. What?€™s more, Nikon?€™s
Scene Recognition system draws upon the 420-pixel RGB colour 3D matrix
meter for outstanding exposures under a variety of lighting conditions by
integrating a database of tens of thousands of sample images. The result is
a camera intelligent enough to recognize when photographing a specific
scene (such as a portrait or landscape) and automatically choose the proper
camera settings. To make taking great pictures even easier, the D3100
elevates Nikon COOLPIX technology and incorporates an Auto Scene Selector
feature in Live View. This innovative function automatically selects the
best scene mode to match shooting conditions. When engaged, the camera will
automatically recognize when shooting a lush landscape or fast action
sports and adjust the camera settings to create an astounding image. Six
preset scene modes can also be accessed with the command dial on top of the
camera to overcome many common shooting challenges. Compact Design, Huge
Performance With comfortable yet intelligent ergonomics, the D3100 packs
powerful technology that?€™s easy to use into a compact form factor.
The advanced 11-point autofocus system of the D3100 makes it easy to find
and focus on a subject through an enhanced viewfinder design with new
?€?hollow?€? focus points to give a clear view of the subject. In
the playing field or the backyard, the benefits of Nikon?€™s advanced
3D Subject Tracking become clear, as the camera continuously focuses on
fast-moving subjects throughout the frame, resulting in crisp, clear action
shots. Additionally, the D3100 offers split-second shutter response,
eliminating the frustration of shutter lag ?€“ the annoying delay that
ruins so many pictures. With the ability to capture images at up to three
frames-per-second, users never miss a moment. Added to the D3100 is a Quiet
Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror
while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting ?€?Q?€? on the
release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to
remain unobtrusive, for example during quiet ceremonies or photographing
sleeping children. Nikon empowers users to prepare their photos for sharing
quickly using Nikon?€™s extensive in-camera Retouch Menu, which easily
applies a variety of fun and dramatic effects to images without a computer.
These include a miniature effect to photos, image overlay, colour outline
and softening filters for flattering portraits and realistic skin tones.
Additionally, the D3100 incorporates Nikon?€™s Integrated Dust
Reduction System, which offers a comprehensive solution that combats the
accumulation of image-degrading dust from the camera?€™s image sensor.
The shutter is tested to 100,000 cycles for maximum durability. Gateway to
Legendary NIKKOR Optics and Accessories Nikon has also introduced the ideal
companion to the D3100, the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm VR lens, which
gives users super-telephoto zoom capability for an affordable price. This
is a perfect complementary lens when combined with the AF-S 18-55mm VR kit
lens, and is great for capturing images of sports and wildlife.
Photographers can also appreciate the D3100?€™s system expandability,
as it is compatible with more than 40 legendary NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable
lenses. While the D3100 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera also
operates with Nikon?€™s Creative Lighting System and is capable of
Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800
Wireless Commander. Included with the camera is a new version of
Nikon?€™s powerful image-editing application, View NX2. The latest
edition of this software allows users to organize and edit both photos and
video files easily. The D3100?€™s design also supports Eye-Fi memory
card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images
from the camera to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards. Exclusive
Canadian Warranty Nikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty for
the D3100 purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Additionally,
Nikon Canada offers a five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased
from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer?€™s investment is
protected by Nikon Canada?€™s warranties with in-Canada service.
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